The Complete Guide to Corvette: Every Year, Model, Engine, Color, and Production Breakdown

The Chevrolet Corvette has long been a symbol of American automotive excellence. Since its debut in 1953, the Corvette has evolved, becoming one of the most iconic sports cars in history. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply admire the engineering behind this high-performance machine, there's no denying the Corvette's unique legacy. This guide dives into every year of the Corvette, breaking down each model's production numbers, engines, colors, and more.

The Birth of an Icon: 1953–1962

1953 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 300
• Engine: 235 cubic inch inline-six, 150 horsepower
• Colors: Sportsman Red with a beige interior
• Key Features: First year of the Corvette, all cars were convertible, fiberglass body.

1954 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 3,640
• Engine: 235 cubic inch inline-six, 150 horsepower
• Colors: Corvette Red, Pennant Blue, and others
• Key Features: Introduction of manual transmission, first year for production outside of the 300 units from 1953.

1955 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 700
• Engine: 265 cubic inch V8, 195 horsepower
• Colors: Cameo White, Sierra Beige, and others
• Key Features: First year with V8 engine.

1956 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 3,467
• Engine: 265 cubic inch V8 (210-225 horsepower options)
• Colors: Red, Coral, Silver Blue
• Key Features: Redesigned body with more aggressive styling and wider stance.

1957 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 6,339
• Engine: 283 cubic inch V8, up to 283 horsepower (fuel-injected)
• Colors: Ermine White, Snowcrest White, Shoreline Beige
• Key Features: Introduction of fuel injection.

1958 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 10,939
• Engine: 283 cubic inch V8 (230-290 horsepower)
• Colors: Tuxedo Black, Coral, and more
• Key Features: Introduced the iconic dual headlights and new exterior styling.

1959 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 9,168
• Engine: 283 cubic inch V8, up to 290 horsepower
• Colors: Roman Red, Snowcrest White
• Key Features: Continued refining the style and options available.

1960 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 10,261
• Engine: 283 cubic inch V8, up to 290 horsepower
• Colors: Fawn Beige, Tuxedo Black, and others
• Key Features: Increased engine options, improved suspension.

1961 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 10,939
• Engine: 283 cubic inch V8, up to 315 horsepower
• Colors: Inca Silver, Roman Red, and others
• Key Features: Redesigned rear end with the iconic tailfins.

1962 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 14,531
• Engine: 327 cubic inch V8, up to 360 horsepower (fuel-injected)
• Colors: Fawn Beige, Tuxedo Black, Roman Red
• Key Features: Last year for the solid rear axle.

The Stingray Era: 1963–1967

1963 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 21,800
• Engine: 327 cubic inch V8, up to 360 horsepower (fuel-injected)
• Colors: Riverside Red, Silver Blue, and others
• Key Features: First year for the Sting Ray design, split rear window coupe.

1964 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 22,229
• Engine: 327 cubic inch V8, up to 375 horsepower (fuel-injected)
• Colors: Satin Silver, Mauve, and others
• Key Features: Redesigned rear end, elimination of the split-window coupe.

1965 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 23,562
• Engine: 327 cubic inch V8, up to 375 horsepower (fuel-injected)
• Colors: Lemans Blue, Maroon, Black
• Key Features: Introduction of the Big Block engine, 396 cubic inch V8, producing 425 horsepower.

1966 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 27,720
• Engine: 427 cubic inch V8, 450 horsepower
• Colors: Goodwood Green, Sunfire Yellow, Mystery Blue
• Key Features: More performance options, including L72 427 V8 engine.

1967 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 22,940
• Engine: 427 cubic inch V8, up to 435 horsepower (L88 option)
• Colors: Maroon, Black, White
• Key Features: Most sought-after model, last year for the C2 body style.

The Mako Shark Era: 1968–1982

1968 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 28,566
• Engine: 350 cubic inch V8, 300 horsepower
• Colors: LeMans Blue, Yellow, and Silver
• Key Features: Introduction of the Mako Shark-inspired body design, first year for the T-top roof option.

1969 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 38,762
• Engine: 427 cubic inch V8, 430 horsepower
• Colors: Rally Red, Daytona Yellow, Monza Red
• Key Features: Introduction of the ZL1 performance package.

1970 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 17,316
• Engine: 350 cubic inch V8, up to 370 horsepower
• Colors: Mulsanne Blue, Donnybrook Green, Classic White
• Key Features: Improved ride quality and safety features.

1971 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 21,801
• Engine: 350 cubic inch V8, up to 255 horsepower
• Colors: Brands Hatch Green, Citrus Yellow, Ontario Orange
• Key Features: Introduction of standard power brakes and steering.

1972 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 27,004
• Engine: 350 cubic inch V8, 255 horsepower
• Colors: Moonstone, Donnybrook Green, Warbonnet Yellow
• Key Features: Redesigned rear bumper and the last year for chrome bumpers.

1973–1982 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 25,000–50,000 per year
• Engine: 350 cubic inch V8, 230–255 horsepower
• Colors: Bright Yellow, Silver, Red, and others
• Key Features: Federal safety standards, catalytic converters, and continued refinements.

The C4 Corvette (1984–1996)

1984 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 70,000+
• Engine: 5.7-liter V8, 230 horsepower
• Colors: Bright Red, White, and others
• Key Features: Introduction of the C4 Corvette with a completely redesigned body, digital dashboard.

1985 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 38,000
• Engine: 5.7-liter V8, 230 horsepower
• Colors: Dark Red, Yellow, and others
• Key Features: Refinement of the performance, with improved ride quality.

1990 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 23,748
• Engine: 5.7-liter V8, 275 horsepower
• Colors: Light Blue, Dark Red, and others
• Key Features: Introduction of the ZR-1 model with a 375-horsepower engine.

The C5 Corvette (1997–2004)

1997 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 9,752
• Engine: 5.7-liter V8, 345 horsepower
• Colors: Navy Blue, Torch Red, and others
• Key Features: Complete redesign with modern suspension and improved handling.

2001 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 20,000+
• Engine: 5.7-liter V8, 385 horsepower (Z06)
• Colors: Sebring Silver, Bright Red, and others
• Key Features: Introduction of the Z06 performance package.

The C6 Corvette (2005–2013)

2005 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 28,000
• Engine: 6.0-liter V8, 400 horsepower
• Colors: Black, Arctic White, and others
• Key Features: The return of the Z06 model with 505 horsepower.

2006 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 25,000
• Engine: 6.0-liter V8, 400 horsepower (base)
• Colors: Monza Red, Sunburst Orange
• Key Features: Introduction of the Z06 model.

The C7 Corvette (2014–2019)

2014 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 37,000
• Engine: 6.2-liter V8, 455 horsepower
• Colors: Black, Arctic White, and others
• Key Features: Introduction of the new C7 design, a more aggressive stance, and 7-speed manual transmission.

2015 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 40,000
• Engine: 6.2-liter V8, 460 horsepower
• Colors: Long Beach Red, Corvette Racing Yellow
• Key Features: Increased horsepower, improved technology.

The C8 Corvette (2020–Present)

2020 Corvette

• Production Numbers: 20,000+
• Engine: 6.2-liter V8, 495 horsepower (base)
• Colors: Torch Red, Elkhart Lake Blue, and others
• Key Features: Introduction of the mid-engine layout, redesigned interior, and modern technology. 

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